Lasers have come a long way since they were first invented in 1960. More than just a toy to tease your cat with, today dentists use lasers for many common dental procedures. Laser dentistry can help speed up heal times and reduce pain in some cases. If you live in Scottsdale, laser dentistry is a great option for a healthy and beautiful smile.

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry uses a narrow, focused beam of light to change or shape tissue (like gum tissue or bones).

Dental lasers have been in use since 1990 and are generally rated as safe and effective for approved uses by the American Dental Association.

Laser dentistry pros and cons

Laser dentistry comes with five notable advantages over traditional surgical dentistry.

  1. Less anesthesia: For patients who are sensitive to anesthesia or have trouble with needles, laser dentistry can be used with less (and sometimes no) anesthesia
  2. Less blood loss: Because the laser cauterizes and closes the wound as it works, there is less blood loss than in traditional treatments
  3. Lower pain: In addition to feeling less pain during the procedure, many patients report less pre- and post-operative pain with laser dentistry
  4. Rapid healing: Healing times for laser dentistry can be half of the times for traditional procedures
  5. Sterile treatment: The heat of the laser sterilizes the treatment area, minimizing the chance of infection

If you are considering laser dentistry, there are a few “cons” to be aware of. Here are the applications for which lasers may not be the best choice.

  • Cavities between teeth, around old fillings, or for large cavities
  • Removing defective crowns or old amalgam (silver) fillings
  • Preparing teeth for bridges

Additionally, laser dentistry may not be covered by some insurance companies, or insurance may cover less of the cost than more traditional treatments. Always work closely with your dentist if you’re unsure about costs.

When can I use laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry has uses for patients of all ages and for patients with a variety of conditions.

Below, we list some of the most common uses of our Scottsdale laser dentistry procedures and how it could help you.

Pediatric patients

Pediatric patients can be very challenging to work with. The unfamiliar noises and time spent sitting still in the dentist’s chair pose unique challenges for the smallest patients.

Laser dentistry can help speed up treatment times for pediatric patients with the following conditions.

  • Low frenum or lip tie: A low frenum or lip tie occurs when the frenal attachment – the ligament that connects the upper lip to the upper gums – attaches closer to the teeth, often even between the two front teeth. Laser dentistry gently separates this attachment.
  • Tongue tie: Tongue tie is a condition where the membrane that attaches the tongue in the mouth is shorter or longer than normal and attaches at different areas (instead of simply at the base of the tongue). This affects a baby’s ability to eat, as well as their speech development. As with a low frenum, laser dentistry safely corrects this attachment.

These common procedures are much safer and completed in less time with fewer side effects than their traditional counterparts.

Laser dentistry for young adults and adult patients

In some ways, young adults and adults have a harder time in the dentist’s chair – they can understand what is coming and still feel anxious about a procedure.

Fortunately, laser dentistry has the same benefits for adults as it does for children. Less time in the chair with less pain and faster recovery are things that every patient can feel good about. Common laser dentistry for young adults and adults includes the following procedures.

Laser gingivectomy

A laser gingivectomy is a procedure that removes excess gum tissue (gingiva). This excess gum tissue may be a result of periodontal disease, or it may be simply a cosmetic excess that results in a “gummy” smile.

Laser periodontal therapy

Laser periodontal therapy is a treatment for moderate to severe periodontal disease that focuses on removing only the bad bacteria while working to preserve gum tissue.

Treat root canal infection

Lasers kill infected gum tissue and safely (and nearly painlessly) prevent further infection. This can be useful in root canal surgeries, where potential infection could cause tremendous damage to the jawbone.

Expose partially erupted wisdom teeth

For wisdom teeth that are reluctant to emerge fully, laser dentistry removes remaining tissue above the teeth to allow them to erupt fully. Better than a surgical intervention, this use of lasers allows your dentist to evaluate whether or not wisdom tooth extraction is necessary.

Assist in professional teeth whitening

Lasers speed up the process of professional teeth whitening procedures, limiting time in the dentist’s chair and improving outcomes for patients.

Lasers have also been approved for use in the prevention of cavity and in shaping the bone and gum tissue during crown lengthening procedures.

How to find Scottsdale laser dentistry options

Finding a cutting-edge dentist who is trained and experienced in laser dentistry can be challenging. There are three basic steps to finding a qualified professional.

Step 1: Ask friends and family

The best referral is one that comes from someone you know. Ask friends and family about their dentist to see if they are pleased, especially if they have had similar work done.

Step 2: Do some research

Searching for a dentist online is another good place to go. Simply looking at a dentist’s “About Us” page of their website can give you a feel for the kind of services they offer.

Are you just another set of teeth, or will they look at your overall health? What are their specialties? How experienced are they? You can also check out online reviews and ratings to see how your community rates a prospective dentist.

Step 3: Schedule a new patient exam

You can only go so far online. Eventually, meeting your prospective dentist is the best first step you’ll take to find a dentist you trust. Here you will meet the office staff and talk with the dentist directly. It matters how they treat you and whether or not you feel comfortable with them and in the office.

Some questions to ask at your first meeting include:

  • Do you offer laser dentistry, and for which procedures?
  • How do you determine if laser dentistry is the best choice?
  • How experienced are you in laser dentistry?

Other questions about office hours and how your prospective dentist handles emergencies or insurance can also be asked at this first meeting.

If you have ever asked yourself, “Where can I find laser dentistry near me?” we have the answer. If you live in Scottsdale, laser dentistry is just around the corner at AZ Dentist. We would love to be the dentist for your whole family. Get in touch today!

Schedule Your Appointment